Paris: China and the US discussed establishing a bilateral working mechanism to "promote cooperation in trade and investment" ahead of US President Donald Trump's trip to Beijing later this month.

According to Anadolu Agency, both sides had "in-depth, candid, constructive exchanges," as stated by China's international trade representative Li Chenggang at a news conference in Paris on Monday. The discussions are part of the sixth round of economic and trade consultations between China and the US, led by Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The talks, which began on Sunday, are being held in Paris amid disruptions in global energy supplies due to tensions in the Middle East.

Previous rounds of these economic consultations have taken place in cities such as Geneva, London, Stockholm, Madrid, and Kuala Lumpur. These discussions have played a role in reducing tariffs that had previously escalated to triple-digit levels. Both parties acknowledge that stable bilateral economic and trade relations are beneficial to their countries and the global economy, as mentioned by Li.

Li also reiterated China's consistent stance on Section 301 investigations, expressing Beijing's opposition to what it views as unilateral probes. The US had previously announced a Section 301 investigation into alleged forced labor practices by several top trading partners, including China, ahead of the ongoing talks.

President Trump's visit to China is scheduled for March 31 to April 2. However, he indicated to the Financial Times that he might delay a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, urging China to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route.